Migration of Feedback Data to Equivalent Digital Assets

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for managing for migrating feedback data from one digital asset to another digital asset are disclosed. Typically, the one digital asset is available for distribution from a network-based media distribution system, but then subsequently is removed from distribution for any of a number of reasons. However, since the one digital asset has been in use at the network-based media distribution system, it has accumulated feedback data. Hence, if the another digital asset serves (e.g., due to equivalency) to replace the one digital asset, then the accumulated feedback data from the one digital asset can be transferred to the another digital asset. As a result, the another digital asset can benefit from the feedback data that was previously associated with the one digital assert.

BACKGROUND

Today, online stores, such as the iTunes™ Store provided by Apple Inc.of Cupertino, Calif., allow customers (i.e., online users) via theInternet to purchase or rent media items (such as music, videos) orsoftware programs. Often, at online stores, numerous digital items aremade available and are provided by various different providers, such asmusic labels, movie companies, and application developers. Softwaretools, such as iProducer™ and iTunes Connect™ available from Apple Inc.,can assist providers with online submission of digital items to theiTunes™ Store.

Since submission involves transmission of digital files over theInternet to online stores for distribution, the submission process canbe time consuming to a submitter. When the digital files are large orvoluminous, the transmission of the digital files for the submission cantake a substantial duration of time. The digital files pertain todigital assets. After the submission, if quality checks are satisfied,the digital assets can be available for distribution. Once available fordistribution, the digital assets (e.g., media item(s)) can receivefeedback from users, such as purchasers or users of the digital assets.This feedback is associated with a particular digital asset to which itwas directed. With numerous users providing feedback data, reliablefeedback data can be acquired and used to determine and presentpopularity data, charts, reviews, etc. The feedback data can beaccumulated over time and also older feedback data can be decayed overtime, so that the feedback data remains not only reliable but current.

When a digital asset that was previously submitted and distributed isremoved from distribution due to errors, upgrades or corrections, thedigital asset becomes no longer available. Often, in such cases, areplacement digital asset is submitted for distribution in place of thepreviously submitted and now removed digital asset. Indeed, thereplacement digital asset is often considered in the content provider'seyes as an upgraded version of the previous digital asset.Unfortunately, however, the removal of the previous digital asset causesits feedback data to be removed. As a result, the feedback data for theprevious data is lost. Consequently, there is a need for improvedapproaches to manage feedback data for digital assets that are submittedbut then removed and resubmitted in an altered manner.

SUMMARY

The invention pertains to methods and systems for migrating feedbackdata from one digital asset to another digital asset. Typically, the onedigital asset is available for distribution from a network-based mediadistribution system, but then subsequently is removed from distributionfor any of a number of reasons. However, since the one digital asset hasbeen in use at the network-based media distribution system, it hasaccumulated feedback data. Hence, if the another digital asset serves(e.g., due to equivalency) to replace the one digital asset, then theaccumulated feedback data from the one digital asset can be transferredto the another digital asset. As a result, the another digital asset canbenefit from the feedback data that was previously associated with theone digital assert.

The digital assets can, for example, pertain to digital media assetssuch as audio assets (e.g., songs, albums, podcasts, or audiobooks) orvideo assets (e.g., movies or television shows). The feedback data forthe digital assets can pertain to one or more popularity data, ratingdata or review data.

Embodiments of the invention can be implemented in numerous ways,including as a method, system, device, or apparatus (including graphicaluser interface and computer readable medium). Several embodiments of theinvention are discussed below.

As a method for migrating feedback data between digital assets, oneembodiment can, for example, include at least: storing feedback data fora plurality of digital assets; determining that a prior digital asset ofthe plurality of digital assets has been replaced by a replacementdigital asset; and associating the feedback data previously associatedwith the prior digital asset to the replacement digital asset.

As a method for transferring feedback data between digital media assets,one embodiment can, for example, include at least: permitting onlinedistribution of a digital media asset; subsequently determining that thedigital media asset is no longer available for distribution; determininga set of potential replacement digital media assets for the digitalmedia asset; selecting a replacement digital media asset from the set ofpotential replacement digital media assets; and assigning feedback dataassociated with the digital media asset to the replacement digital mediaasset.

As a computer readable medium including at least computer program codefor transferring feedback data between digital media assets, oneembodiment can, for example, include at least: computer program code forpermitting online distribution of a digital media asset; computerprogram code for subsequently determining that the digital media assetis no longer available for distribution; computer program code foraccessing feedback data associated with the digital media asset;computer program code for determining a set of potential replacementdigital media assets for the digital media asset; computer program codefor selecting a replacement digital media asset from the set ofpotential replacement digital media assets; and computer program codefor assigning the feedback data associated with the digital media assetto the replacement digital media asset.

As a system for managing feedback data for a plurality of digital assetsthat are available for playback or distribution, one embodiment can, forexample, include at least: a media asset database configured to storedigital data for the plurality of digital assets; a feedback databaseconfigured to store the feedback data for the plurality of digitalassets; and a feedback migration manager configured to at least (i)determine that a prior digital asset of the plurality of digital assetshas been replaced by a replacement digital asset, and (ii) update thefeedback database to associate the feedback data previously associatedwith the prior digital asset to the replacement digital asset, providedthat it is determined that the prior digital asset of the plurality ofdigital assets has been replaced by a replacement digital asset.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a digital asset submission anddistribution system according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a feedback management system according toone embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a feedback association process according toone embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a flow diagram of a feedback assignment process according toone embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a flow diagram of an equivalent selection process accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 3C is a flow diagram of an equivalent selection process accordingto another embodiment.

FIG. 3D illustrates a replacement selection process according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 4A is a flow diagram of a playlist equivalency process according toone embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a flow diagram of a playlist equivalency process according toone embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary computer system suitable for use withembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to methods and systems for migrating feedbackdata from one digital asset to another digital asset. Typically, the onedigital asset is available for distribution from a network-based mediadistribution system, but then subsequently is removed from distributionfor any of a number of reasons. However, since the one digital asset hasbeen in use at the network-based media distribution system, it hasaccumulated feedback data. Hence, if the another digital asset serves(e.g., due to equivalency) to replace the one digital asset, then theaccumulated feedback data from the one digital asset can be transferredto the another digital asset. As a result, the another digital asset canbenefit from the feedback data that was previously associated with theone digital assert.

The digital assets can, for example, pertain to digital media assetssuch as audio assets (e.g., songs, albums, podcasts, or audiobooks) orvideo assets (e.g., movies or television shows). The feedback data forthe digital assets can pertain to one or more of popularity data, ratingdata or review data.

The various aspects, features, embodiments or implementations of theinvention described above can be used alone or in various combinations.

Embodiments of various aspects of the invention are discussed below withreference to FIGS. 1A-5. However, those skilled in the art will readilyappreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect tothese figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extendsbeyond these limited embodiments.

FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a digital asset submission anddistribution system 100 according to one embodiment. The digital assetsubmission and distribution system 100 includes a digital assetdistribution site 102. The digital asset distribution site 102 providesan online access point for distribution of various digital assets. Forexample, the digital asset distribution site 102 can be referred to asan online store. A digital asset submission and management system 104operates to receive submissions of digital assets from various digitalasset submitters. The digital asset submission and management system 104can process submission of digital assets and authorize distribution ofapproved digital assets. The digital assets can be stored in a digitalasset storage device 106. In one embodiment, the digital asset storagedevice 106 includes a mass data store and one or more databases. Thedigital asset storage device 106 provides mass storage of the numerousdigital assets that are available for distribution (e.g., purchase orrental). For example, digital assets that have been purchased can beaccessed from the digital asset storage device 106 over a data network108 by way of the digital asset distribution site 102. Examples ofdigital assets include digital media assets (e.g., media items) orcomputer program products. Digital media assets can pertain to audio(e.g., songs, albums, podcasts, or audiobooks) or video (e.g., movies ortelevision shows). Computer program products can pertain to applications(or application programs), animations, or presentations.

The digital asset submission and distribution system 100 also includes afirst client 110, a second client 112 and a third client 114. Typically,the digital asset submission and distribution system 100 would include aplurality of different clients, such as the clients 110, 112, 114. Thefirst client 110 can include a network access program 116. The secondclient 112 can include a digital asset submission program 118. The thirdclient 114 can include a network access program 120. Some clients canalso include both the network access program 116 and the digital assetsubmission program 118. The network access program 116 is an applicationprogram (e.g., software application) that operates on the first client110, which is a computing device. The network access program 120 is anapplication program (e.g., software application) that operates on thethird client 114, which is a computing device. One example of a suitablenetwork access program is a network browser (e.g., Microsoft Explorer™or Safari™). Another example of a suitable network access program isiTunes™ offered by Apple Inc. The first client 110 is coupled to thedigital asset distribution site 102 through the data network 108. Hence,the first client 110 can interact with the digital asset distributionsite 102 to review, purchase and/or manage digital assets.

The digital asset submission program 118 is also an application program(e.g., software application) that operates on the second client 112,which is a computing device. The digital asset submission program 118 isused to submit digital assets to the digital asset submission andmanagement system 104 for eventual distribution by the mediadistribution site 102. Although the network access program 116 and thedigital asset submission program 118 are shown in FIG. 1A as separateprograms, it should be understood that such programs can be integratedinto a single program or reside on the same client machine.

In the digital asset submission and distribution system 100 shown inFIG. 1A, the digital assets are submitted to the digital assetsubmission and management system 104 by way of the digital assetsubmission program 118. The digital assets that have been submitted(e.g., via the second client 112) are processed and then stored in thedigital asset storage device 106. The stored digital assets can thenundergo some processing, such as an encoding, so that the format of thestored digital assets is uniform and suitable for distribution.

Thereafter, the stored digital assets can be made available for purchasefrom the digital asset distribution site 102. Upon purchasing aparticular digital asset, the digital asset distribution site 102permits the digital data for the particular digital asset to beretrieved from the digital asset storage device 106 and then delivered(e.g., downloaded) from the digital asset distribution site 102 to therequesting client 110 through the data network 108. In this regard, thedigital asset distribution site 102 or some other delivery server (notshown) obtains the digital data corresponding to the particular digitalasset from the digital asset storage device 106 and downloads suchdigital data through the data network 108 to the client 110. Thedownloaded digital data can then be stored on the client 110. In oneembodiment, the downloaded digital data is encrypted as received at theclient 110 but is decrypted and then perhaps re-encrypted beforepersistently stored on the client 110. Thereafter, the client 110 canutilize (e.g., execute) the digital data of the digital asset at theclient 110.

The digital asset submission and distribution system 100 allows a userof the client 110 to utilize the network access program 116, 120 tobrowse, search or sort through a plurality of digital assets that can bepurchased from the digital asset distribution site 102. The networkaccess program 116, 120 may allow the user to preview or demo some orall of a digital asset. In the event that the user of the network accessprogram 116, 120 desires to purchase a particular digital asset, theuser (via the network access program 116, 120) and the digital assetdistribution site 102 can engage in an online commerce transaction inwhich the user pays for access rights to the particular digital asset.The network access program 116, 120 may also allow the user to providefeedback data for digital assets (e.g., digital assets that are played,purchased or otherwise used). The feedback data can be used to rank,chart or rate digital assets.

The submission and purchase of the digital assets can be achieved overthe data network 108. In other words, the submission and purchase of thedigital assets can be achieved online. The purchase of media itemsonline can also be referred to as electronic commerce (e-commerce). Inone embodiment, the data network 108 includes at least a portion of theInternet. The clients 110, 112, 114 can vary with application butgenerally are computing devices that have memory storage. Often, theclients 110, 112, 114 are personal computers or other computing devicesthat are capable of storing and presenting media to their users. In oneembodiment, the connections through the data network 108 between thedigital asset distribution site 102 and the clients 110, 112, 114 can bethrough secure connections, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).

Although the digital asset distribution site 102, the digital assetsubmission and management system 104 and the digital asset storagedevice 106 are shown in FIG. 1A as being separate components, it shouldbe understood that any of these components can be combined into one ormore apparatus. For example, the digital asset submission and managementsystem 104 can be incorporated into the digital asset distribution site102. As another example, the digital asset storage device 106 can beincorporated into the digital asset distribution site 102 or the digitalasset submission and management system 104.

The client (or client device) can, for example, be a computing device.Examples of a computing device include a personal computer (e.g.,desktop computer, notebook computer or netbook computer), or a portablehandheld electronic device (e.g., Portable Digital Assistant (PDA),multi-function mobile telephone).

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a feedback management system 150 accordingto one embodiment. The feedback management system 150 can represent aportion of the digital asset submission and management system 104illustrated in FIG. 1A. That is, the digital asset submission andmanagement system 104 can provide management of digital assets, such asmedia assets, that have been submitted, resubmitted, purchased and/orevaluated by or for users.

The feedback management system 150 illustrated in FIG. 1B includes afeedback migration manager 152 that manages the migration of feedbackdata from one media asset to another media asset. Typically, thefeedback data is migrated when an active media asset is laterdeactivated and replaced by another active media asset. For example,users can provide direct or indirect feedback data that can be used torank, chart or rate such media assets.

The feedback management system 150 also includes a media asset database154 and a feedback database 156. The media asset database 154 can storeat least descriptive information (e.g. metadata) for each of a pluralityof media assets. The feedback database 156 can store feedback data for aplurality of media assets. The feedback data for the digital assets (ormedia assets) can be provided by a user (or purchaser) of the associateddigital asset. As noted above, the feedback data can pertain topopularity data, rating data or review data. The media asset database154 and the feedback database 156 can be linked to associate withcorresponding media assets. Alternatively, the media asset database 154and the feedback database 156 can be integrated into a common database.Media content for each of the plurality of media assets can be stored ina storage device (e.g., digital asset storage device 106).

Still further, the feedback management system 150 can also include orreceive media asset equivalency data 158. The media asset equivalencydata 158 can be derived from data associated with the plurality of mediaassets, such as data (e.g., metadata (e.g., metadata and otherdescriptive data) provided upon their submission to the media managementsystem 100. Equivalency can be determined using metadata, electronicsignatures or audio signatures. The media asset equivalency data 158 caninclude data that identifies one or more potential equivalent mediaassets for a given media asset. The feedback migration manager 152 canutilize the media asset equivalency data 158 to determine an appropriateequivalent media asset to be associated with the feedback data that isbeing migrated.

The feedback management system 150 can also include or receivereplacement selection criteria 160. The replacement selection criteria160 pertains to one or more rules that can be utilized by the feedbackmigration manager 152 to select an equivalent media asset to be therecipient of the migrated feedback data. The selected equivalent mediaasset is selected from the one or more potential equivalent media assetsidentified by the media asset equivalency data 158.

During operation, the feedback management system 150 can be notified ofa media asset removal 162. The digital asset submission and managementsystem 104 typically monitors and manages addition and removal of mediaassets, and can thus notify the feedback management system 150 of themedia asset removal 163. The removal of a media asset can be initiatedby a user or by the system itself. In response to the media assetremoval 162, the feedback migration manager 152 determines anappropriate equivalent media asset, if any, that can be the beneficiaryof feedback data previously established for the media item now being orrecently removed. In this regard, the feedback migration manager 152 canaccess the media asset equivalency data 158 to identify a set ofpotential equivalent media assets that can be considered as recipients.In this regard, the feedback migration manager 152, makes use of thereplacement selection criteria 160 to determine a selected one of theequivalent media assets that have been identified by the media assetequivalency data 158. After the selection of one of the equivalent mediaassets has been performed, the feedback migration manager 152 caninteract with the feedback database 156 to associate the previouslyestablished feedback data for the media asset being removed to theselected one of the equivalent media assets. Additionally, the feedbackmigration manager 152 can also be unassociated the previouslyestablished feedback data from the media asset that has been removed.Hence, the feedback data can be transferred to the selected on of theequivalent media assets and thus is no longer associated with theremoved media asset.

Advantageously, through migration of feedback data, resubmission ofmedia assets (e.g., due to minor informalities or adjustments) can beperformed without detrimentally impacting previously acquired feedbackdata.

The media asset equivalency data 158 can take a wide range of differentformats. In one embodiment, the media asset equivalency data 158 canprovide equivalency data in one or more predetermined data structuresstored to one or more electronic files. The equivalency data can beperiodically recreated such that it remains current.

As one example, in the case where the media assets are songs (such assingles or Extended Play (EP) items), the predetermined data structurecan serve to identify a set of equivalent media assets (that are songs)for each of such songs. As a specific example, the predetermined datastructure that identifies equivalent songs can have the following datastructure:

474385969c,4632|457510741eM,4632; 417849042,324,16

The explanation of the data structure is as follows:

-   -   474385969=source song identifier (ID)    -   c=indicates the source song has a “Clean” parental advisory flag        [i.e., not explicit]    -   4632=content provider identifier (ID) of source song    -   |=break between source song and equivalent songs    -   457510741=is the source song identifier (ID) for equivalent song        #1    -   e=song has “Explicit” parental advisory flag    -   M=song has its “Mastered for iTunes” flag set to true (meaning        the song file is encoded for high quality usage with iTunes)    -   4632=equivalent song's content provider identifier (ID)    -   ;=break between each equivalent song information    -   417849042=is the source song identifier (ID) for equivalent song        #2    -   No ‘c’ or ‘e’ means the parental advisory is null or ‘Blank’ for        the song    -   No ‘M’ means the song (and it's playlist) is not “Mastered for        iTunes”    -   324=equivalent song's content provider identifier (ID)    -   16=subsumed by content provider means that at one point the        content provider ID was 16, but content provider ID 324 subsumed        it and is now the current content provider.

As another example, in the case where the media assets are playlists(such as albums), the predetermined data structure can serve to identifya set of equivalent media assets (that are playlists) for each of suchplaylists. As a specific example, the predetermined data structure thatidentifies equivalent playlists can have the following data structure:

123eM,188,3:456,540|1122e,188:2233,541;1133,189:2233c,541,3

The explanation of the data structure is as follows:

-   -   :=separates two playlists    -   123 and 456 are playlist identifiers (IDs)    -   e—appended after playlist ID or song ID indicates that        playlist/song is explicit    -   M—appended after playlist ID or song ID indicates that        playlist/song is mastered for iTunes    -   188,3=content provider for playlist 123 subsumed by family    -   540=content provider for playlist 456 subsumed by family    -   |=break separating playlist and song data    -   1122e and 2233 are matching song identifiers (IDs)    -   188=content provider for song 1122e subsumed by family    -   541=content provider for song 2233 subsumed by family    -   ;=separates pairs of matching songs    -   1133 and 2233c are matching song identifiers (IDs)    -   189=content provider for song 1133 subsumed by family    -   541,3=content provider for song 2233c subsumed by family

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a feedback association process 200 accordingto one embodiment. The feedback association process 200 can, forexample, performed by the digital asset submission and management system104 illustrated in FIG. 1A or the feedback migration manager 152illustrated in FIG. 1B.

The feedback association process 200 can store 202 feedback data for aplurality of digital assets. The feedback can concern popularity,ratings or reviews. The feedback data can also be updated periodicallyso that it remains current. The feedback data can be used in charting orranking the plurality of digital assets. Typically, the feedback data isdirectly or indirectly associated with feedback provided by users (orpurchasers) of the plurality of digital assets. The feedback data may beabsolute data or may be accumulated data.

Besides storing 202 the feedback data for the plurality of digitalassets, the feedback association process 200 can include a decision 204that determines whether a prior digital asset has been replaced. Here,it should be understood that the availability of a particular digitalasset from an online media system can change over time. The particulardigital asset can be removed from the online media system for a varietyof reasons, and its removal can be initiated by a user or by the systemitself. The removed digital asset may also be replaced with areplacement digital asset that it intended to supersede the removeddigital asset. For example, a particular digital asset that has beenavailable from an online media system might be removed and replaced byessentially the same digital asset but with some improvement, such as animproved quality (e.g., encoding). As another example, a particulardigital asset might be removed and replaced by the same digital assetafter one or more defects therein have been corrected and thenresubmitted. As still another example, a particular digital asset mightbe removed and replaced by the same digital asset after the ownership ormanagement of the digital asset changes. In any event, when the decision204 determines that a prior digital asset has been replaced, thefeedback data previously associated with the prior digital asset can beassociated with a replacement digital asset. Alternatively, when thedecision 204 determines that a prior digital asset has not beenreplaced, the block 206 can be bypassed. Following the block 206, or itsbeing bypassed, the feedback association process 200 can end.

Hence, the feedback association process 200 is able to associate (e.g.,migrate) prior feedback data from a prior digital asset to a replacementdigital asset. As a result, the replacement digital asset can benefitfrom any advantageous feedback data that the prior digital asset wasable to earn. Consequently, if a content provider needs to resubmit adigital asset (e.g., because of alterations, corrections orownership/management changes), the resubmission can be done without aloss of feedback data.

FIG. 3A is a flow diagram of a feedback assignment process 300 accordingto one embodiment. The feedback assignment process 300 can, for example,be performed by the digital asset submission and management system 104illustrated in FIG. 1A or the feedback migration manager 152 illustratedin FIG. 1B.

The feedback assignment process 300 can permit 302 online distributionof a digital media asset. Typically, a content provider would submit adigital media asset to an online distribution system and request onlinedistribution of the digital media asset. Assuming the digital mediaasset is acceptable for online distribution, the online distributionsystem would permit 302 online distribution of the digital media asset.

Next, a decision 304 can determine whether a media asset is to beremoved from distribution. When the decision 304 determines that a mediaasset is to be removed from distribution, feedback data associated withthe digital media asset can be accessed 306. In addition, a set ofpotential replacement digital media assets can be determined 308. Then,a replacement digital media asset can be selected 310 from the set ofpotential replacement digital media assets. After the replacementdigital media asset has been selected 310, the feedback assignmentprocess 300 can operate to assign 312 the feedback data associated withthe digital media asset to the replacement digital media asset.Alternatively, when the decision 304 determines that a media asset hasnot been removed from distribution, the feedback assignment process 300can bypass blocks 306-312 since no feedback assignment is beingperformed. Following the block 312, or its being bypassed, the feedbackassignment process 300 can end.

FIG. 3B is a flow diagram of an equivalent selection process 320according to one embodiment. The equivalent selection process 320 is,for example, suitable for use as or within the block 310 illustrated inFIG. 3A. In this regard, the equivalent selection process 320 initiallyfilters 322 out one or more digital media assets from the set ofpotential replacement digital media assets. A set of predeterminedfilter rules, which can be referred to as filter criteria, can be usedto determine which, if any, of the digital media assets in the set ofpotential replacement digital media assets are to be filtered 322. Inone implementation, the filter criteria can depend on one or morecriteria, such as availability, content provider, parental guidancelevel (or indication), quality, or time. After the filtering 322 of theone or more digital media assets, assuming that there are one or moredigital media assets remaining in the filtered set of potentialreplacement digital media assets, the replacement digital media assetcan be selected 324 from the filtered set of potential replacementdigital media assets. A set of predetermined selection rules, which canbe referred to as selection criteria, can be used to select 324 thereplacement digital media asset from the filtered set of potentialreplacement digital media assets. In one implementation, the selectioncriteria can depend on one or more criteria, such as availability,content provider, parental guidance level (or indication), quality, ortime.

Although the equivalent selection process 320 is shown as havingseparate filtering and selecting operations, in other embodiments, thefiltering and selecting can be combined such that the replacementdigital media asset is selected from the set of potential replacementdigital media assets. The selection can be made dependent on criteriasuch as availability, content provider, parental guidance level (orindication), quality, or time.

FIG. 3C is a flow diagram of an equivalent selection process 340according to another embodiment. The equivalent selection process 340is, for example, suitable for use as or within the block 310 illustratedin FIG. 3A. In one embodiment, the equivalent selection process 340 canbe performed as or within the filter block 322 illustrated in FIG. 3B

According to the equivalent selection process 340, availability ofpotential replacement media assets can be verified 342. Although the setof potential replacement digital media assets may have been previouslydetermined, the verification 342 can in any case check for presentavailability of the specific potential replacement media assets. Then,those of the potential replacement media assets that are presentlyunavailable can be removed 344. Further, the equivalent selectionprocess 340 can determine 346 a content provider for the media asset.Then, those potential replacement media assets that are not affiliatedwith the content provider can be removed 348 from the set of potentialreplacement digital media assets. Those affiliated with the contentprovider can include not only the content provider themselves by otherprovider that are grouped with the content provider (e.g., commonlyowned providers).

Still further, the equivalent selection process 340 can determine 350parental guidance for the media asset. Here, it is assumed that themedia asset upon submission to the online distribution system causes anindication of parental guidance to be provided for the media asset.Hence, the determination 350 of the parental guidance for the mediaasset can be performed using the previously submitted informationconcerning the media asset. In addition, those one or more potentialreplacement media assets that have inconsistent parental guidance can beremoved 352 from the potential replacement media assets.

Further still, the equivalent selection process 340 can determine 354 aquality level for the media asset. Then, those one or more potentialreplacement media assets that have a lower quality level than thequality level for the media asset can be removed 356.

FIG. 3C operates to filter out those of the potential replacement mediaassets that are not selectable as a replacement for the media asset thathas been removed. The filtering provided by the equivalent selectionprocess 340 illustrated in FIG. 3C can consider availability, contentprovider, parental guidance, and quality level. However, in general, thefiltering can make use of any one or more of availability, contentprovider, parental guidance, and quality level.

After filtering has occurred (such as shown in FIG. 3C), additionalprocessing can be performed to carry out a selection operation. In thisregard, FIG. 3D illustrates a replacement selection process 360according to one embodiment. The replacement selection process 360 can,for example, be performed by the block 310 illustrated in FIG. 3A. Inone embodiment, the replacement selection process 360 can be performedfollowing the filter block 322 illustrated in FIG. 3B or following theequivalent selection process 340 illustrated in FIG. 3C.

In any case, when the replacement selection process 360 is performed, adecision 362 can determine whether the number of potential replacementmedia assets after filtering (e.g., FIG. 3C) is greater than one (1).When the decision 362 determines that the number of potentialreplacement media assets remaining after the filtering is not greaterthan one, then (assuming that there is one potential replacement mediaasset), the remaining replacement media asset can be selected 364 to bethe selected replacement media asset.

Alternatively, when the decision 362 determines that the number ofpotential replacement media assets remaining after the filtering isgreater than one, then one of the remaining replacement media assets isselected 366 to be the selected replacement media asset. In oneimplementation, the selection 366 from the remaining replacement mediaassets can be based on the one of the remaining replacement media assetsthat was most recently made available. In another implementation, theselection 366 from the remaining replacement media assets can be basedon the one of the remaining replacement media assets that has thehighest quality. In still another implementation, the selection 366 fromthe remaining replacement media assets can be based on a combination of(i) the remaining replacement media assets that was most recently madeavailable, and (ii) the remaining replacement media assets that havingthe highest quality. Following the blocks 364 and 366, the replacementselection process 360 can end with the selected replacement media assethaving been selected.

The potential replacement media items are those media items that areconsidered to be equivalent for purposes of transfer of feedback data.One type of media assets are playlists. Equivalency of playlists can bedetermined in a variety of different ways. FIGS. 4A and 4B provideexamples of equivalency determinations for playlists.

FIG. 4A is a flow diagram of a playlist equivalency process 400according to one embodiment. The playlist equivalency process 400 canevaluate whether a subsequently submitted playlist can be considered anequivalent to a prior submitted playlist. As discussed herein, ifplaylists are deemed sufficiently equivalent, feedback data is permittedto be transferred from the prior submitted playlist (which is often nowremoved or otherwise rendered unavailable) to the subsequently submittedplaylist.

The playlist equivalency process 400 can begin with a decision 402 thatdetermines whether a playlist identifier (ID) or title of the priorsubmitted playlist and the subsequently submitted playlist match. Whenthe playlist identifier or title of the prior submitted playlist and thesubsequently submitted playlist are determined to match, a decision 404can determine whether the primary artist on both the prior submittedplaylist and the subsequently submitted playlist match. When thedecision 404 determines that the primary artist on both the priorsubmitted playlist and the subsequently submitted playlist match, adecision 406 can determine whether a song identifier (ID) or metadatafor each of the songs on the respective playlists match. When thedecision 406 determines that the song identifier or metadata for each ofthe songs on the prior submitted playlist and the subsequently submittedplaylist do match, the respective playlist can be deemed 408 to beequivalent. As a result, the subsequently submitted playlist can bepermitted to receive feedback data previously associated with the priorsubmitted playlist. On the other hand, when any of the decisions 402-406of the playlist equivalency process 400 indicate that there is not amatch, the respective playlists can be deemed 410 to be not equivalent.In this case, the subsequently submitted playlist is not permitted toreceive the feedback data previously associated with the prior submittedplaylist. Following the blocks 408 and 410, the playlist equivalencyprocess 400 can end.

FIG. 4B is a flow diagram of a playlist equivalency process 450according to one embodiment. The playlist equivalency process 450 canevaluate whether a subsequently submitted playlist can be considered anequivalent to a prior submitted playlist. As discussed herein, ifplaylists are deemed sufficiently equivalent, feedback data is permittedto be transferred from the prior submitted playlist (which is often nowremoved or otherwise rendered unavailable) to the subsequently submittedplaylist.

The playlist equivalency process 450 can begin with a decision 452 thatdetermines whether a playlist identifier (ID) or title of the priorsubmitted playlist and the subsequently submitted playlist match. Whenthe playlist identifier or title of the prior submitted playlist and thesubsequently submitted playlist are determined to match, a decision 454can determine whether the track counts on the prior submitted playlistand the subsequently submitted playlist match. When the decision 454determines that the track counts on the prior submitted playlist and thesubsequently submitted playlist match, a decision 456 can determinewhether the primary artist on both the prior submitted playlist and thesubsequently submitted playlist match. When the decision 456 determinesthat the primary artist on both the prior submitted playlist and thesubsequently submitted playlist match, a decision 458 can determinewhether a song identifier (ID) or metadata for each of the songs on therespective playlists match. When the decision 458 determines that thesong identifier or metadata for each of the songs on the prior submittedplaylist and the subsequently submitted playlist match, a decision 460can determine whether all of the tracks (excluding pre-orders) of therespective playlists match. When the decision 460 determines that all ofthe tracks (excluding pre-orders) of the respective playlists match, therespective playlists can be deemed 462 to be equivalent. As a result,the subsequently submitted playlist can be permitted to receive feedbackdata previously associated with the prior submitted playlist.

On the other hand, when any of the decisions 452-460 of the playlistequivalency process 450 indicate that there is not a match, therespective playlists can be deemed 464 to be not equivalent. In thiscase, the subsequently submitted playlist is not permitted to receivethe feedback data previously associated with the prior submittedplaylist. Following the blocks 462 and 464, the playlist equivalencyprocess 450 can end.

Several examples of playlist equivalency scenarios are provided below.These examples can be in accordance with the playlist equivalencyprocess 450.

Example 1 Prior Submitted Playlist

-   -   Title: Madonna—Confessions on a Dance Floor    -   ID: 123    -   Tracks:        -   1. Hung Up        -   2. Get Together        -   3. Sorry        -   4. Future Lovers        -   5. I Love New York        -   6. Let It Will Be        -   7. Forbidden Love        -   8. Jump        -   9. How High        -   10. Isaac        -   11. Push (Pre-Order Only)        -   12. Like it or Not (Pre-Order Only)

Subsequently Submitted Playlist

-   -   Title: Madonna—Confessions on a Dance Floor    -   ID: 456    -   Tracks:        -   1. Hung Up        -   2. Get Together        -   3. Sorry        -   4. Future Lovers        -   5. I Love New York        -   6. Let It Will Be        -   7. Forbidden Love        -   8. Jump        -   9. How High        -   10. Isaac        -   11. Push        -   12. Like it or Not    -   Result: Not Equivalent    -   Reason: Disregard pre-order only tracks, track counts differ

Example 2 Prior Submitted Playlist

-   -   Title: Madonna—Confessions on a Dance Floor    -   ID: 222    -   Tracks:        -   1. Hung Up        -   2. Get Together        -   3. Sorry        -   4. Future Lovers        -   5. I Love New York        -   6. Let It Will Be        -   7. Forbidden Love        -   8. Jump        -   9. How High        -   10. Isaac        -   11. Push        -   12. Like it or Not

Subsequently Submitted Playlist

-   -   Title: Madonna—Confessions on a Dance Floor    -   ID: 333    -   Tracks:        -   1. Hung Up        -   2. Get Together        -   3. Sorry        -   4. Future Lovers        -   5. I Love New York        -   6. Let It Will Be        -   7. Forbidden Love        -   8. Jump        -   9. How High        -   10. Isaac        -   11. Push    -   Result: Not Equivalent    -   Reason: Different number of tracks where extra tracks aren't        pre-order

Example 3 Prior Submitted Playlist

-   -   Title: Madonna—Confessions on a Dance Floor    -   ID: 222    -   Tracks:        -   1. Hung Up        -   2. Get Together        -   3. Sorry        -   4. Future Lovers        -   5. I Love New York        -   6. Let It Will Be        -   7. Forbidden Love        -   8. Jump        -   9. How High        -   10. Isaac        -   11. Push        -   12. Like it or Not (Pre-Order Only)

Subsequently Submitted Playlist

-   -   Title: Madonna—Confessions on a Dance Floor    -   ID: 333    -   Tracks:        -   1. Hung Up        -   2. Get Together        -   3. Sorry        -   4. Future Lovers        -   5. I Love New York        -   6. Let It Will Be        -   7. Forbidden Love        -   8. Jump        -   9. How High        -   10. Isaac        -   11. Push        -   12. XYZ (Pre-Order Only)    -   Result: Equivalent    -   Reason: Same tracks (and count) that aren't pre-orders

Example 4 Prior Submitted Playlist

-   -   Title: Madonna—Confessions on a Dance Floor    -   ID: 333    -   Tracks:        -   1. Hung Up        -   2. Get Together        -   3. Sorry        -   4. Future Lovers        -   5. I Love New York        -   6. Let It Will Be        -   7. Forbidden Love        -   8. Jump        -   9. How High        -   10. Isaac        -   11. Push        -   12. Like it or Not (Pre-Order Only)

Subsequently Submitted Playlist

-   -   Title: Madonna—Confessions on a Dance Floor    -   ID: 444    -   Tracks:        -   1. Hung Up        -   2. Get Together        -   3. Sorry        -   4. Future Lovers        -   5. I Love New York        -   6. Let It Will Be        -   7. Forbidden Love        -   8. Jump        -   9. How High        -   10. Isaac        -   11. Push    -   RESULT: Equivalent    -   REASON: Extra track is pre-order only

Example 5 Prior Submitted Playlist

-   -   Title: Madonna—Confessions on a Dance Floor    -   ID: 333    -   Tracks:        -   1. Hung Up        -   2. Get Together        -   3. Sorry        -   4. Future Lovers        -   5. I Love New York        -   6. Let It Will Be        -   7. Forbidden Love        -   8. Jump        -   9. How High        -   10. Isaac (Pre-Order Only)        -   11. Push (Pre-Order Only)        -   12. Like it or Not (Pre-Order Only)        -   13. Footprints        -   14. Hey there, whats up?

Subsequently Submitted Playlist

-   -   Title: Madonna—Confessions on a Dance Floor    -   ID: 444    -   Tracks:        -   1. Hung Up        -   2. Get Together        -   3. Sorry        -   4. Future Lovers        -   5. I Love New York        -   6. Let It Will Be        -   7. Forbidden Love        -   8. Jump        -   9. How High        -   10. Isaac        -   11. Footprints    -   RESULT: Not Equivalent    -   REASON: “Hey there, what's up?” isn't pre-order only and is not        on playlist with ID 444.

Example 6 Prior Submitted Playlist

-   -   Title: Madonna—Confessions on a Dance Floor    -   ID: 333    -   Tracks:        -   1. Hung Up        -   2. Get Together        -   3. Sorry        -   4. Future Lovers        -   5. I Love New York        -   6. Let It Will Be        -   7. Forbidden Love        -   8. Jump        -   9. How High        -   10. Isaac        -   11. Push        -   12. Like it or Not (Pre-Order Only)

Subsequently Submitted Playlist

-   -   Title: Madonna—Confessions on a Dance Floor    -   ID: 444    -   Tracks:        -   1. Hung Up        -   2. Get Together        -   3. Sorry        -   4. Future Lovers        -   5. I Love New York        -   6. Let It Will Be        -   7. Forbidden Love        -   8. Jump        -   9. How High        -   10. Isaac        -   11. Push        -   12. How are you?    -   RESULT: Not Equivalent    -   REASON: “How are you?” is not pre-order only and is not present        on the prior submitted playlist.

Example 7 Prior Submitted Playlist

-   -   Title: Madonna—Confessions on a Dance Floor    -   ID: 333    -   Tracks:        -   1. Hung Up        -   2. Get Together        -   3. Sorry        -   4. Future Lovers        -   5. I Love New York        -   6. Let It Will Be        -   7. Forbidden Love        -   8. Jump        -   9. How High        -   10. Isaac        -   11. Push        -   12. Like it or Not (Pre-Order Only)

Subsequently Submitted Playlist

-   -   Title: Madonna—Confessions on a Dance Floor    -   ID: 444    -   Tracks:        -   1. Hung Up        -   2. Get Together        -   3. Sorry        -   4. Future Lovers        -   5. I Love New York        -   6. Let It Will Be        -   7. Forbidden Love        -   8. Jump        -   9. How High        -   10. Isaac        -   11. Push        -   12. Like it or Not (Pre-Order Only)        -   13. How are you? (Pre-Order Only)    -   RESULT: Equivalent    -   REASON: “How are you?” is pre-order only; “Like it or not” is        pre-order only but it is present on both playlists

Example 8 Prior Submitted Playlist

-   -   Title: Madonna—Confessions on a Dance Floor    -   ID: 333    -   Tracks:        -   1. Hung Up        -   2. Get Together        -   3. Sorry        -   4. Future Lovers        -   5. I Love New York        -   6. Let It Will Be        -   7. Forbidden Love        -   8. Jump        -   9. How High        -   10. Isaac        -   11. Push        -   12. Like it or Not

Subsequently Submitted Playlist

-   -   Title: Madonna—Confessions on a Dance Floor    -   ID: 444    -   Tracks:        -   1. Hung Up        -   2. Get Together        -   3. Sorry        -   4. Future Lovers        -   5. I Love New York        -   6. Let It Will Be        -   7. Forbidden Love        -   8. Jump        -   9. How High        -   10. Isaac        -   11. Push        -   12. Like it or Not (Pre-Order Only)        -   13. How are you? (Pre-Order Only)    -   RESULT: Not Equivalent    -   REASON: Discard pre-order only tracks and “Like it or Not” is        not on the subsequently submitted playlist.

In one embodiment, after user feedback data has been assigned to areplacement digital asset, the feedback data can be used and furtheraccumulated with respect to the replacement digital asset. However, insome instances, it may be desirable to transfer back the feedback datato the prior digital asset. For example, if the prior digital asset wasremoved or made unavailable inadvertently or by mistake, the feedbackdata can be transferred back to the prior digital asset.

In one embodiment, a user interface can assist an administrator toinitiate a manual transfer of feedback data. The manual transfer cantransfer from one digital asset to another, or can override an otherwiseautomatic transfer, or can mark one or more digital assets as havingnon-transferable feedback data.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary computer system. One or more of the exemplarycomputer systems are suitable for use with at least one embodiment ofthe invention. The computer system 500 includes a display monitor 502having a single or multi-screen display 504 (or multiple displays), acabinet 506, a keyboard 508, and a mouse 510. The cabinet 506 houses adrive 512, such as for receiving a CD-ROM 514, a system memory and amass storage device (e.g., hard drive or solid-state drive) (not shown)which may be utilized to store retrievable software programsincorporating computer code that implements the embodiment of theinvention, data for use with embodiment(s) of the invention, and thelike. Although the CD-ROM 514 is shown as an exemplary computer readablemedium, other computer readable digital video including floppy disk,tape, flash memory, system memory, and hard drive may be utilized.

The various aspects, features, embodiments or implementations of theinvention described above can be used alone or in various combinations.

Embodiments of the invention can, for example, be implemented bysoftware, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software.Embodiments of the invention can also be embodied as computer readablecode on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is anydata storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read bya computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium generallyinclude read-only memory and random-access memory. More specificexamples of computer readable medium are tangible and include Flashmemory, EEPROM memory, memory card, CD-ROM, DVD, hard drive, magnetictape, and optical data storage device. The computer readable medium canalso be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that thecomputer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will become obviousto those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced withoutthese specific details. The description and representation herein arethe common meanings used by those experienced or skilled in the art tomost effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled inthe art. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components,and circuitry have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring aspects of the present invention.

In the foregoing description, reference to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment can beincluded in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances ofthe phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specificationare not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor areseparate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of otherembodiments. Further, the order of blocks in process flowcharts ordiagrams representing one or more embodiments of the invention do notinherently indicate any particular order nor imply any limitations inthe invention.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from thewritten description. Further, since numerous modifications and changeswill readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should notbe limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated anddescribed. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may beresorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.

1. (canceled)
 2. A digital content distribution system comprising: astorage component storing a first version of a digital media asset; anetwork component configured to receive feedback data for the firstversion of a digital media asset; wherein the storage component isfurther configured to store feedback data for a first version of adigital media asset; and a processor configured to: determine that thefirst version of a digital media asset has been replaced in the storagecomponent by a second version of the digital media asset that isselected from a set of potential replacement digital media assets,wherein each of the replacement digital media asset within the set ofpotential replacement digital media assets have a quality associatedtherewith, and wherein the replacement digital media asset selected fromthe set of potential replacement digital media assets has the highestquality level, and associate the feedback data associated with the firstversion of the digital asset to the second version of the digital asset.3. The digital content distribution system of claim 2, wherein thefeedback data includes one or more of popularity data, rating data orreview data.
 4. The digital content distribution system of claim 2,wherein the processor is further configured to unassociate the feedbackdata from the first version of the digital media asset.
 5. The digitalcontent distribution system of claim 2, wherein the network component isconfigured to receive feedback data for the first version of a digitalmedia asset users of the digital content distribution system.
 6. Acomputer-implemented method for migrating feedback data between digitalassets, comprising: storing feedback data for a first version of adigital media asset, the feedback data being user provided datadescriptive of the first version of the digital media asset; replacingthe first version of the digital media asset with a second version ofthe digital media asset; associating the feedback data associated withthe first version of the digital asset with the second version of thedigital asset; and presenting the second version of the digital mediaasset in an online store along with the feedback data descriptive of thefirst version of the digital media asset.
 7. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 6, wherein the feedback data includes one or more ofpopularity data, rating data or review data.
 8. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 6, further comprising: unassociating the feedback datafrom the first version of the digital media asset.
 9. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 6, further comprising: selectingthe second version of the digital media asset from one or more potentialreplacement versions having an upgraded quality level.
 10. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising: selectingthe second version of the digital media asset from one or more potentialreplacement versions having a highest upgraded quality level.
 11. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein the first version of thedigital media asset has a content provider indicator associatedtherewith, and wherein replacing the first version of the digital mediaasset with a second version of the digital media asset furthercomprises: selecting a replacement digital media asset having a relatedcontent provider indicator as the first version of the digital mediaasset.
 12. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, furthercomprising: prior to replacing the first version of the digital mediaasset with a second version of the digital media determining that thefirst version of the digital media asset is no longer available fordistribution.
 13. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, whereinthe first version of the digital media asset has a parental guidanceindicator associated therewith, and wherein replacing the first versionof the digital media asset with a second version of the digital mediaasset further comprises: selecting a replacement digital media assethaving a related parental guidance indicator as the first version of thedigital media asset.
 14. The computer-implemented method of claim 6,further comprising: selecting the second version of the digital mediaasset from one or more potential replacement versions that was mostrecently submitted or approved for distribution.
 15. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, whenexecuted by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform amethod for migrating feedback data between digital assets, comprising:storing feedback data for a first version of a digital media asset, thefeedback data being user provided data descriptive of the first versionof the digital media asset; replacing the first version of the digitalmedia asset with a second version of the digital media asset;associating the feedback data associated with the first version of thedigital asset with the second version of the digital asset; andpresenting the second version of the digital media asset in an onlinestore along with the feedback data descriptive of the first version ofthe digital media asset.
 16. The non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium of claim 15, storing further instructions which, whenexecuted by a computing device, cause the computing device to performadditional steps of: selecting the second version of the digital mediaasset from one or more potential replacement versions having an upgradedquality level.
 17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof claim 16, storing further instructions which, when executed by acomputing device, cause the computing device to perform additional stepsof: selecting the second version of the digital media asset from one ormore potential replacement versions having a highest upgraded qualitylevel.
 18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim15, wherein the first version of the digital media asset has a contentprovider indicator associated therewith, and wherein replacing the firstversion of the digital media asset with a second version of the digitalmedia asset further comprises selecting a replacement digital mediaasset having a related content provider indicator as the first versionof the digital media asset.
 19. The non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium of claim 15, wherein the first version of the digitalmedia asset has a content provider indicator associated therewith,wherein the first version of the digital media asset has a parentalguidance indicator associated therewith, and wherein replacing the firstversion of the digital media asset with a second version of the digitalmedia asset further comprises selecting a replacement digital mediaasset having a related parental guidance indicator as the first versionof the digital media asset.
 20. The non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium of claim 15, storing further instructions which, whenexecuted by a computing device, cause the computing device to performadditional steps of: selecting the second version of the digital mediaasset from one or more potential replacement versions that was mostrecently submitted or approved for distribution.
 21. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 15, storing furtherinstructions which, when executed by a computing device, cause thecomputing device to perform additional steps of: unassociating thefeedback data from the first version of the digital media asset.